Listener

Abilities, Graveyard State, Route Canal

Listener

Dan Smith (also known as Listener or The Listener) is a Siloam Springs, Arkansas, musician who has created a subgenre of hip-hop he calls "talk music".

With the Release of Ozark Empire, Listener began his first Tour of Homes. This consisted almost entirely of traveling from home to home around the United States (and later, a European Tour of Homes) in a grassroots style of touring. He has played in homes, coffee shops, art galleries, empty warehouses, venues, and more.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food for potluck before or after the show.

His current body of work echoes the efforts of Bill Mallonee, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Chuck D, and David Bazan. Smith emphatically punches and counterpunches with the same vital lyricism as the aforementioned Mallonee and Bazaan, turning his full attention to the story and tragedy of America's unremembered and uncelebrated multitudes. The stories of salesmen and waitresses, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives. Those just trying to make it, and those who have forgotten how. Telling these gothic tales of downfall and redemption Smith hopes to ask one burning question, "Why does is it take my voice to make you listen?"

Dan has reshaped his project and his live act now includes musicians. The current line up includes Chris Nelson on drums, guitar and washing machine, Kristen Smith on bass and vocals, and Dan Smith on horn and lead vocals